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tappedandtagged
27 November 2015, 19:51
I'm looking to put a new barrel on my AR and really want a 1:8 twist.

So far, I've only found two options: Faxon Firearms AR barrel or Sionics Weapon Systems.

The Faxon barrel is Nitride/QPQ finished, which I know little about, but can be had for $180 shipped at Aimsurplus.com http://faxonfirearms.com/16-govt-socom-5-56-nato-mid-length-4150-qpq/

The Sionics barrel is chrome lined, but is $249 plus shipping http://sionicsweaponsystems.com/store2015/16/27-5-chrome-lined-w-low-profile-gas-block.html

The barrel would be used on my hunting rig and I would want sub MOA groups with my Sierra 65 GK hand loads. Of course, smaller groups would be awesome.

Am I over looking any other barrels?

Dstrbdmedic167
27 November 2015, 19:55
Haven't used them personally but faxon should be GTG. Another option would be Black Hole Weaponry. They can make the barrel to your exact specs. A 1/8 should get you those results from what I've seem but I can't say first hand.

El Cid
27 November 2015, 20:05
Lilja has the M4 Patrolman in 1/8 but it's a carbine gas. It's been a great bbl though on the heavy side. On the good side it's got a 223 Wylde chamber so you can shoot 5.56 pressure ammo.

http://riflebarrels.com/product-category/drop-in-barrels/ar/ar15/223/

Rainier's Medcon bbls are very nice. I used this one in my most recent build though I haven't tested it for accuracy yet. It's 1/8 with polygonal rifling. Actually I believe Rainier offers several bbl options in 1/8.

http://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-select-5-56mm-medcon-barrel-16

BoilerUp
27 November 2015, 20:05
1:8 tends to be more popular with .223 Wylde chambered match barrels.

Most of the Ballistic Advantage Premium series are 1:8 - check out their Hanson line: http://ballisticadvantage.com/shop/barrels/556-nato.html?barrel_twist_rate=32

Also consider AR Performance: http://www.ar15performance.com/barrels

ARP is primarily known within the 6.8SPC community. My 16" ARP 6.8 SCOUT will shoot sub-MOA at 100 yards with factory Federal XM68GD.

Dstrbdmedic167
27 November 2015, 20:11
1:8 tends to be more popular with .223 Wylde chambered match barrels.

Most of the Ballistic Advantage Premium series are 1:8 - check out their Hanson line: http://ballisticadvantage.com/shop/barrels/556-nato.html?barrel_twist_rate=32

Also consider AR Performance: http://www.ar15performance.com/barrels

ARP is primarily known within the 6.8SPC community. My 16" ARP 6.8 SCOUT will shoot sub-MOA at 100 yards with factory Federal XM68GD.

I can second for ARP as i've had 3 barrels from them. Top notch just not a "household" name. my 12.5" 223 wylde and 16" WLV are much better than I can shoot.

tappedandtagged
27 November 2015, 20:16
Actually I believe Rainier offers several bbl options in 1/8.

http://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-select-5-56mm-medcon-barrel-16

You're right, Rainier does, but they're almost all stainless barrels. Guess I should've mentioned that I don't want stainless.

Dstrbdmedic167
27 November 2015, 20:31
You're right, Rainier does, but they're almost all stainless barrels. Guess I should've mentioned that I don't want stainless.

Assuming you want a Nitrade or CHF barrel? is the stainless not wanted for aesthetics or ??

tappedandtagged
27 November 2015, 20:36
Assuming you want a Nitrade or CHF barrel? is the stainless not wanted for aesthetics or ??

I want a chrome lined or nitrided 4150 barrel for longer life. And, I don't like the way the stainless looks, but that's not the primary reason.

BoilerUp
27 November 2015, 20:42
If you don't want stainless then, yes, you are pretty limited. The AR Performance barrel is what I use for hunting, so I have no qualms recommending his barrels.

One other option is Criterion. I don't have first hand experience with Criterion Barrels, but they have an excellent reputation: http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/barrel-parts/rifle-barrels/ar-15-m16-223-wylde-chrome-lined-barrels-prod54733.aspx

I prefer nitride/melonite over chrome lined, though. Superior barrel life and potential for SS accuracy.

All that said, I'd think you'd be perfectly fine with 1:7 if you are shooting that heavy of a bullet.

El Cid
27 November 2015, 20:46
You're right, Rainier does, but they're almost all stainless barrels. Guess I should've mentioned that I don't want stainless.

Ahh. Ok. Brownells has AR stuff on sale still.

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/barrel-parts/rifle-barrels/ar-15-m16-223-wylde-chrome-lined-barrels-prod54733.aspx

tappedandtagged
27 November 2015, 20:48
If you don't want stainless then, yes, you are pretty limited. The AR Performance barrel is what I use for hunting, so I have no qualms recommending his barrels.

One other option is Criterion. I don't have first hand experience with Criterion Barrels, but they have an excellent reputation: http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/barrel-parts/rifle-barrels/ar-15-m16-223-wylde-chrome-lined-barrels-prod54733.aspx

I prefer nitride/melonite over chrome lined, though. Superior barrel life and potential for SS accuracy.

All that said, I'd think you'd be perfectly fine with 1:7 if you are shooting that heavy of a bullet.

I may end up with a 1:7 twist. The Ballistic Advantage barrels look mighty nice with the 1 MOA guarantee for about 2 bills!


Thanks for all the recommendations! I never would have looked at/known about half of these companies before today!

RiverRat
27 November 2015, 20:53
Tons of options in 1:8.....just look around a little more. Rainer (Select, Match and Ultramatch), Lilja, Ballistic Advantage, Faxon, ARP have already been mentioned. I'll add Odin Works, Northtech Defense, Wilson Combat, Battle Arms Development, BCM, Mega, Seekins, Proof Research, Satern (for Brownells), Green Mountain, Spikes Lothar/Walther, Anderson, AR Stoner, WMD.

I'm a huge fan of this twist even though I'm seldom shooting 200+ yard distances where the difference between 1:8 and 1:7 becomes more meaningful.

RiverRat
27 November 2015, 21:24
I want a chrome lined or nitrided 4150 barrel for longer life. And, I don't like the way the stainless looks, but that's not the primary reason.

The probability of you shooing out a stainless barrel on a hunting rig is next to zero.

The volume is generally modest to start with and the low rate of fire plays to longer life. Unless your hand loads run at dangerous pressures, I suspect a good stainless barrel would outlast your ability to use it in this duty.

alamo5000
27 November 2015, 21:25
Rainier's Medcon bbls are very nice. I used this one in my most recent build though I haven't tested it for accuracy yet. It's 1/8 with polygonal rifling. Actually I believe Rainier offers several bbl options in 1/8.

http://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-select-5-56mm-medcon-barrel-16


I run that one and I did a 10 shot group that was well under 1" at 100 yards. I wouldn't even think twice about it. Plus they are on sale.

With a 69 grain load they are stellar.

alamo5000
27 November 2015, 21:29
The probability of you shooing out a stainless barrel on a hunting rig is next to zero.

The volume is generally modest to start with and the low rate of fire plays to longer life. Unless your hand loads run at dangerous pressures, I suspect a good stainless barrel would outlast your ability to use it in this duty.

I researched this subject out extensively and you will get about 15,000 rounds down range with a RA Select before you need to rebarrel. Not too shabby at all.

Former11B
27 November 2015, 22:22
I researched this subject out extensively and you will get about 15,000 rounds down range with a RA Select before you need to rebarrel. Not too shabby at all.

I was about to say, Rainier Arms' stainless barrels are some of the toughest out there. For the accuracy they provide and durability, you'd be crazy to discount them if they offer the chamber/twist you desire. And not all of their stainless barrels are the stereotypical shiny finish. One of mine was black from factory and the other a very matte gray color. One is 16", the other 18", both are 1:8 profiled and shoot and perform to a level most shooters won't ever match. You'd be doing yourself a favor to at least look

tappedandtagged
27 November 2015, 22:54
I'll give the Rainier barrels another look for sure. Who makes their barrels anyway?

SINNER
27 November 2015, 23:36
http://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-arms-223-wylde-barrel-16-rock-creek-blank

alamo5000
27 November 2015, 23:40
I'll give the Rainier barrels another look for sure. Who makes their barrels anyway?

Nobody knows for sure but rumor is that Black Hole Weaponry makes them for Rainier. Whoever is the actual manufacturer, they have their act together that's for sure.

My barrel is black so you do have a choice in color. It's made from stainless steel but it comes in black or a matte silver.

I am telling you for sure though, I am MORE than pleased with mine. I can shoot dime size groups at 100 yards with 69 gr SMK.

tappedandtagged
30 November 2015, 00:36
Whelp, my PC took a dump, so it seems my new barrel will have to wait a bit. But, now I can go about shopping with a lot more knowledge than I previously had. Thanks guys!